Searching a Topic
USING THE SEARCH STAR: Need more information on your topic?
Use the search star, one point at a time.
Example: If researching diabetes, Google 'diabetes news' or 'diabetes research' or 'diabetes history'. Pick and choose whichever search terms are most relevant.
For press releases on your topic, go to:
Then, type in your topic as a search term.
Wikipedia can be used by searching your 'topic' at
Two GREAT hints:
*Go to the bottom of the Wikipedia article for a list of sources and links.
*Find technical terms within the article that can be searched elsewhere.
Example: Search astrobiology instead of “life on other planets.”
(Never end your search at Wikipedia or cite Wikipedia as a source – use it as a searching tool.)
A credible source is believable and trustworthy. In general, sites .org,.edu, or .gov are credible. However, other sites may be credible as well. You must check the boxes for each of the Credibility Criteria.
My topic is: ______
My Google search terms are (Try to fill in at least 4 before starting).
Credible Source #1
Site Name:
Link:
Date published/updated:
Check the Credibility Criteria below. (If you do not check all boxes, you should not use the Source).
The site relates to my “scientific question” about my topic.
The site has an “about us” or “about this site” tab where I can get more information about it.
If written by a specific author, his or her qualifications are included. (Ph.D. , M.D, etc.)
The site has no or minimal advertising.
The website has been recently updated.
1 paragraph summary in your own words: (You only need to summarize the part(s) that you plan to use in your article. Think of this as a continuation of your Press Release summary).
Credible Source #2
Site Name:
Link:
Date published/updated:
Check the Credibility Criteria below. (If you do not check all boxes, you should not use the Source).
The site relates to my “scientific question” about my topic.
The site has an “about us” or “about this site” tab where I can get more information about it.
If written by a specific author, his or her qualifications are included. (Ph.D , M.D, etc.)
The site has no or minimal advertising.
The website has been recently updated.
1 paragraph summary in your own words: (You only need to summarize the part(s) that you plan to use in your article. Think of this as a continuation of your Press Release summary).
Credible Source #3
Site Name:
Link:
Date published/updated:
Check the Credibility Criteria below. (If you do not check all boxes, you should not use the Source).
The site relates to my “scientific question” about my topic.
The site has an “about us” or “about this site” tab where I can get more information about it.
If written by a specific author, his or her qualifications are included. (Ph.D. , M.D, etc.)
The site has no or minimal advertising.
The website has been recently updated.
1 paragraph summary in your own words: (You only need to summarize the part(s) that you plan to use in your article. Think of this as a continuation of your Press Release summary).